Ireland is poised to formulate new cryptocurrency regulations as it anticipates upcoming European Union mandates on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
Finance Minister Jack Chambers revealed that the country aims to implement these updates before the EU’s new laws come into effect on December 30.
Details regarding the specific content or timing of the legislation have not been disclosed. The EU’s forthcoming legislation will enhance the authority of financial intelligence units, permitting them to suspend transactions and enforce tighter reporting protocols for crypto exchanges.
Additionally, it will set a cap of €10,000 ($10,850) on cash payments and introduce more stringent oversight on significant transactions.
This regulatory framework aims to address risks associated with crypto assets and crowdfunding while complementing existing regulations like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Derville Rowland, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, previously indicated that robust crypto regulations are crucial for Europe to maintain its leadership in technological innovation.
As of July, the Central Bank had granted licenses to 15 virtual asset service providers, including notable firms such as Gemini, Ripple, and Coinbase, which is taking steps to eliminate non-compliant stablecoins from its European operations.
A long-anticipated bill aimed at regulating stablecoins is reportedly headed for a full Senate vote this May, according to Politico.
The UK government has unveiled a fresh set of proposed regulations for digital assets, aiming to balance technological advancement with stronger protections against financial misconduct.
Bitcoin could soon play an official role in Arizona’s public finance system. This week, state lawmakers approved the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, a bill that would allow up to 10% of treasury and retirement fund assets to be invested in digital assets like Bitcoin.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, is continuing its behind-the-scenes engagement with digital asset firms as the agency weighs new approaches to crypto regulation.